DirecTV Stream vs Hulu + Live TV
In-depth comparison of DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV across pricing, channels, 4K, device support, and editorial scores.
Last updated May 5, 2026 · By IPTVForum Editorial Team
DirecTV Stream
The most expensive US live TV streamer, and the only one that truly replaces cable for sports households
Hulu + Live TV
The only live TV service that bundles Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu's full on-demand library.
Editorial Verdict
Our pick: Hulu + Live TV
Our pick is Hulu + Live TV — it scores 9.0/10 versus 8.5/10, a 0.5-point edge, and leads in 3 of 6 categories.
DirecTV Stream vs Hulu + Live TV head-to-head
Our pick is Hulu + Live TV — it scores 9.0/10 versus 8.5/10, a 0.5-point edge, and leads in 3 of 6 categories. DirecTV Stream carries 55 more live channels.
| Metric | DirecTV Stream | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest monthly | $86.99 | $82.99 |
| Live channels | 150+ | 95+ |
| VOD titles | 70,000+ | 80,000+ |
| Free trial | 120h | 72h |
| Max resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Max connections | 20 | 2 |
| Refund policy | No | No |
Quick verdict — DirecTV Stream vs Hulu + Live TV
In a head-to-head test of DirecTV Stream vs Hulu + Live TV across pricing, channel volume, 4K output, free trial availability, refund policy, and editor scoring, Hulu + Live TV comes out ahead with a 9.0/10 editor score versus 8.5/10, a 0.5-point edge, while leading in 3 of 6 categories. Pricing differs by $4.00/month — roughly $48.00 over a 12-month subscription. DirecTV Stream carries the larger channel catalog at 150+ live streams, a 55-channel lead. On price alone, Hulu + Live TV is the more affordable option, but per-feature value depends on whether you actually use the included extras.
Key differences at a glance
- Hulu + Live TV undercuts the other by $4.00/month — about $48.00 cheaper over a year
- Hulu + Live TV ships a 10K-title larger on-demand library
- Catch-up windows differ — DirecTV Stream: 720h, Hulu + Live TV: 168h
Side-by-side site preview
Real homepage captures from our two-week 2026 review.
All plans compared
DirecTV Stream 4 plans · Hulu + Live TV 2 plans — sorted by length.
| Plan | Total | / month |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $86.99 | $86.99 |
| ChoiceBest | $108.99 | $108.99 |
| Ultimate | $132.99 | $132.99 |
| Premier | $164.99 | $164.99 |
✓ 120-hour free trial available
| Plan | Total | / month |
|---|---|---|
| With AdsBest | $82.99 | $82.99 |
| No Ads | $95.99 | $95.99 |
✓ 72-hour free trial available
Who should pick which?
Pick DirecTV Stream if you regional sports fans in underserved rsn markets, or large households needing 5+ simultaneous streams. Its strongest area in our scorecard is quality at 9.5/10, and at $86.99/month on the longest plan it carries a small premium over Hulu + Live TV. The 120-hour free trial means you can validate channel availability on your own hardware before committing.
Pick Hulu + Live TV if you cord-cutters who already pay for disney+ and hulu separately, or nfl and college football fans who need espn networks plus espn+. Its top-rated category is features at 9.7/10, and at $82.99/month it lands below DirecTV Stream on monthly cost. Their 72-hour trial is the safer first step.
What both services share
Common ground worth noting before you decide.
Features
- 7-day EPG
- catch-up TV
- multi-screen support
- anti-freeze technology
- VOD library
- 4K streaming
Devices
Amazon Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TV, iOS, Android
Payments
Credit Card, PayPal
DirecTV Stream vs Hulu + Live TV — Side-by-side
| Specification | DirecTV Stream | Hulu + Live TV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor Score | 8.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 | Hulu + Live TV |
| Live Channels | 150+ | 95+ | DirecTV Stream |
| VOD Library | 70,000+ | 80,000+ | Hulu + Live TV |
| From / month | $86.99 | $82.99 | Hulu + Live TV |
| Free trial | 120h | 72h | Tie |
| 4K available | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Tier | premium | premium | Tie |
| Refund policy | — | — | Tie |
| Catch-up TV | 720h | 168h | Tie |
| PPV events | Included | — | Tie |
6-Category Score Breakdown